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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think that trick or treating should be confined to your own street or friends/family

407 replies

Moonnstars · 31/10/2025 12:31

Showing my age here, but I remember when I was younger firstly trick or treating wasn't really a thing, but even when it started to become popular it was only your friends and family you called in on. I remember visiting my grandparents and their neighbours (who had been prepared so had sweets in) and then doing the same with my friends family.
Now it seems that people are asking where is the best street to visit, and I even saw today on social media someone saying they are on holiday in the area and where is best to go, happy to drive around to find the best places!

I have my own children who will be out, but we stick to our own street. I also have sweets in to give out, but am I being unreasonable in thinking I shouldn't have to have enough in to supply people coming over from different places and that it should just be people you know or at least living in the same street you hand stuff out to.

Also I do acknowledge some people go all out and advertise their address and want people to visit - however these are often for charity and as for a donation.

YABU - stop being so tight and buy more sweets

YANBU - it is getting out of hand, people should only go to people they know/stay local

OP posts:
Bumdrops · 31/10/2025 12:36

Neither of your poll responses fit -
no need to buy more treats
just buy what you want and when you’ve run out, pumpkin 🎃 comes in -
Can’t police if people are straying off their road ! For that idea - YABU

Weirdest · 31/10/2025 12:35

I think trick or treat is more of an American thing, it always seems naff in England. But I totally remember random kids knocking on the door when I was a child, so I assume that’s the done thing.

StrawberryThief1930 · 31/10/2025 12:35

i agree. stick to your own local area or neighbouring roads.

i live in a holiday area and ive seen 2 messages this morning from holiday makers asking which roads to go trick or treating in! doesn't seem right to me.

CheeseWisely · 31/10/2025 12:34

Our local area has an online map that people can choose to add themselves to if they’re open to trick or treaters. What about kids who live rurally or in a block of flats where neighbours don’t want to take part? No fun for them if your rules mean they have to stick to their immediate area!

sillyme1234 · 31/10/2025 12:34

I find it a bit weird parents accepting sweets from strangers.

However I will be leaving a bowl of sweets out to the local children. No doubt they won't ration.

I've got a few planned with neighbours to visit and they send me a message on the way

Bambamhoohoo · 31/10/2025 12:33

Of course not 😂 what are you even on about? Don’t you realise some people actually enjoy Halloween and decorating their house for trick or treaters? What a miz attitude

Octavia64 · 31/10/2025 12:32

I’m 47.

trick or treating was a thing when I was young.

the almost universal code these days is pumpkin out - taking part, no pumpkin don’t knock.

i’m all decorated and have lots of sweets and looking forward to all the costumes!

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